I loved the lobster roll at Boothbay Harbor Seafood Market on Hillview Street.

 

The heck with chocolate, my Valentine shared a lobster roll with me this past weekend that was outta sight! Located in the same strip plaza as Pacific Rim is Boothbay Harbor Seafood Market, a former eye glass shop that serves chowder and lobster rolls only for takeout, with a nice selection of fresh haddock and steamer clams. Lobster prices per pound might be a little better at Lotsa Lobsta (to read my review of that restaurant, click here), but at least here you don’t have to travel down the South Trail in season.

A former Michael's On East pastry chef has just opened a new bakery in Gulf Gate--try the almond croissants!

Another yummy find was Small Batch Bakery, next to Mamma Mia’s on Gulf Gate Drive. The cranberry and blueberry muffins are insane, and word on the street is, so is the gelato. If you call a few hours ahead you can have a batch of just-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies waiting for you, so stop for a carton of cold milk as a chaser.

Aria has opened at the Palm Avenue spot where so many other restaurants have been. My favorites were Carmichael’s and Noah. I never quite liked Zak’s Steakhouse, but will give this new restaurant a chance to settle in before I go for a review.

Fab meal, as always, at Tommy Bahamas, and had the good fortune of sampling the flank steak sliders that will be on the new menu this spring. (Just don’t take off my tuna poke and piña colada cake!)

Roy's whole fried snapper is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

We had the pleasure of dining at Roy’s on Valentine’s night, and might I say—home run. The whole fried snapper was amazing; thanks to Chef Justin for removing the bones for easy eating. Welcome, Andy Mayer, new operating partner and old friend from Naples. Watch out, Sarasota, the man is a schmoozer and a really good restaurateur.

Next up: Mad Crow Brewery and a revisit to Mozaic, which has been pretty inconsistent this past year. Let’s hope for a good run.

Where have you been dining lately? Let me know by posting on the comment button and you might win a gift certificate to one of Sarasota’s many restaurants.